Natyasthalam Vidyalaya

Some journeys don’t just win awards - they inspire hearts.

Natyasthalam is overflowing with pride as we celebrate our shining star, Soundari Mukund, for earning the Award of Merit at the State level in the prestigious PTA Reflections Program for Dance Choreography.

In a program where tens of thousands of students across Texas poured their creativity, emotions, and stories into art, only 2% advanced to the State level. Among them, Soundari’s work stood out - not just for its excellence, but for its depth, authenticity, and soul.

Even more remarkable, this is her 4th State-level win — a rare and powerful testament to her unwavering dedication, artistic maturity, and love for the craft.

Through her Bharatanatyam choreography, Soundari didn’t just perform - she communicated, connected, and moved audiences, carrying forward the timeless beauty of Indian classical dance with grace and meaning.

At Natyasthalam, we don’t just train dancers - we nurture storytellers, thinkers, and artists. Soundari embodies this vision in every step she takes.

We couldn’t be prouder. Here’s to passion, perseverance, and purpose.

May your art continue to touch hearts and reach greater heights

Natyasthalam’s Nritya Samarpanam

Natyasthalam is proud to announce Mr. Gopal Ponangi as the Chief Guest for Nritya Samarpanam on March 28.

A highly respected community leader, Mr. Ponangi exemplifies service, vision, and integrity. He has served with distinction as a Trustee of the Frisco ISD School Board for six years, making history in 2019 as the first Indian American elected to this position and earning re-election in 2022. His contributions also extend to the Frisco Economic Development Corporation.

As the Founder and President of the Shubham Foundation, he is deeply committed to advancing education, healthcare, and the fine arts—values that closely reflect Natyasthalam’s mission. Guided by the principle of “Service over Self,” he continues to inspire through purposeful leadership.

His gracious presence will be a true honor for Natyasthalam and will greatly enrich this meaningful presentation of Nritya Samarpanam.

Date: March 28
Celebration: Natyasthalam’s Nritya Samarpanam

Shivaratri is a day every dancer dreams of — a day to offer their prayers at the feet of Lord Shiva, the King of Dance. It is only with His blessings that a dancer is fortunate enough to present the gift of dance to the Lord.

Natyasthalam feels truly blessed to have performed with His grace. Our students Aarna, Aahana, Shivani, Saanvi, Meenu, and Soundari, along with their guru Krithika, offered their dance as a humble prayer to God. We are truly grateful to Mr. Praveen and Mr. Jagadeesh Jagadeeswara Reddy Nandimandalam for making it possible for us to perform before the Lord.

It is always a wonderful feeling to train these talented students and to share the stage with them. My pranams to my Guru Uma Akka, my senior Himaja Akka, and my parents for their constant blessings and support.

Very few people we meet in life leave a lasting, happy impression and remind us that the world is a beautiful place. Ms. Alma, a teacher at Frisco High School, is one such person for me.

I truly admire her grace, confidence, and the calm strength with which she carries herself. Her students are fortunate to have such a dedicated and inspiring teacher, and Frisco High School is equally fortunate to have her.

I have known Ms. Alma for the past 3–4 years, and every time I meet her, I see the same quiet leadership and positive presence that naturally draws respect. Beyond her professional excellence, she has always been there to guide and support me whenever I needed it. I deeply appreciate the time, care, and effort she gives so generously.

Despite her busy role as a teacher, she organizes many programs, not only for her school but also for her community, with remarkable ease and dedication. What stands out most is her warm smile and unwavering energy, which reflect her true passion for what she does.

I write this note with heartfelt gratitude for all that Ms. Alma does for Natyasthalam and for the community at large. It was a pleasure meeting her on December 16.

Thank you elena hernandez Ms. Alma. You are truly a role model and an inspiration to many women, including me.

A Heartwarming Evening with MCOR

Natyasthalam had the joy of performing on 9 December in collaboration with the Plano International Festival at First United Methodist Church for the Multi Cultural Outreach Roundtable(MCOR)

It was a small and intimate gathering, but the warmth in the room made it truly special. For any artist, the audience means everything, and every single person there showed such genuine appreciation. The girls felt it deeply, and it is something they will carry with them for a long time.

The atmosphere was filled with kindness, encouragement, and heartfelt support. Not a single weary face, only smiles, warmth, and people who were fully present. Moments like these shape young dancers, giving them confidence and helping them grow not just as performers but as people.

We are truly blessed to be welcomed by MCOR with so much love and support. Thank you for creating an environment where our girls can shine, learn, and feel valued.

✨ Last Day of Gratitude! ✨

Today, we conclude our special series honoring the incredible sponsors who have supported Natyasthalam — with celebrations by MPJ! 🎉

We are deeply grateful to every sponsor Sai FlowersPlano International FestivalTraditional Silk HouseKaravan CreationsNeedle NeedsPlano Day SchoolThe Cake JunctionTukki LLCwhose generosity made a meaningful difference in the Salangai Pooja of our five talented girls. Your belief in Natyasthalam’s journey — nurturing discipline, devotion, and cultural expression through classical dance, while fostering community, confidence, and tradition — inspires us every day.

From all of us at Natyasthalam, thank you for being part of our story. 🙏💛

✨ We are grateful to Celebrations by MPJCelebrations by MPJ for supporting Natyasthalam in our journey towards Salangai Poojai 2025. ✨

💠 Founded by Monika Pandhare-Joshi, MPJ brings exquisite handloom sarees directly from India’s weaving cities — celebrating craftsmanship, heritage, and timeless elegance.

💠 Their collection features over 400 authentic handloom silks — Kanjivarams, Paithanis, Gadwals, Maheshwaris, Chanderis, Ikkats & more — each finished with tassels, falls, pico, and ready to drape.

💠 Alongside sarees, MPJ offers an unmatched range of 500+ ready-to-wear designer blouses — tailored for perfect fit, blending traditional detailing with modern flair.

💠 Each saree and blouse is a true conversation piece — weaving tradition with modern style, and designed to celebrate life’s most cherished moments. You can explore their curated online selection or visit their Allen, Texas studio by appointment for the full experience.

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Meet Soujanya, the talented makeup artist behind the beautiful transformations at Natyasthalam’s Salangai Poojai

From flawless looks to calming presence, Soujanya made sure our dancers Archita, Satwika, Avanthika, Jaswitha & Sanvi felt confident, radiant, and ready to shine — starting with our pre-event photoshoot.

Anyone engaging her services can be assured of not just a beautiful makeover, but a peaceful experience that puts you at ease. Her gentle approach and skillful artistry bring out the best in every individual — and that confidence truly shows on stage.

Thank you, Soujanya, for being an integral part of our Salangai Poojai journey.

Thank you to our Natyasthalam Sponsors for adding joy and strength to this journey The Cake Junction Tukki LLC Mogra Atithi Ventures Sai Flowers Dallas Coorg Brew Srishti-USA Plano Day School Best Brains Learning Centers - Celina South

Gratitude to the sponsors who support Natyasthalam’s mission in the arts Srishti-USAPlano Day SchoolAtithi VenturesSai Flowers DallasDarin T. YocumTukki LLCCake Junction